Club History
Although Lytchett Minster Rugby Club was not founded until 1981, the groundwork for the club was laid in 1976 at Lytchett Minster School, when a new influx of teachers signaled the change to comprehensive status. Two of the new teachers coached and developed the game within the school, fostering several successful teams, winning many local tournaments. In 1981 the under 16 side competed in the National Schools Tournament reaching the quarter finals, only losing to the eventual winners in a hard fought match. Since then, the school teams have continued to impress with several visits to play teams in France, Holland, England and Wales, acquitting themselves very well. Within the current crop of School players there are several that are showing promise.
Lytchett Minster Rugby Club was founded in 1981, by a newly formed past pupils association, as a means of allowing past and present pupils to continue playing Rugby. The club still maintains strong links with the School, and continues to draw the majority of its players from former pupils.
Since its debut in 1981, each season has continued the club's success. The first two seasons proved to be excellent for the colts team, with many outstanding victories against established clubs. When the original members of the colt's team reached their age limit, a senior side was created for the 1983 - 1984 season. With the help of a local Rugby coach and the introduction of a few older players the original colts team moved into senior rugby.
In their first season the blend of youth and experience produced good results, which saw a stronger fixture list for the next season. Continued improvement and success encouraged new members to join, and confirmed the transition from junior to senior rugby. By 1985 the club was strong enough to field a 2nd XV.
The first XV joined the Berks, Dorset and Wilts League for the 1988 - 1989 season and finished in the top three of Division Two. The 1991 - 1992 season saw Lytchett Minster R.U.F.C. promoted to Division One. Despite player poaching from larger clubs within the area and playing against more established opposition, Lytchett Minster R.U.F.C. stayed in Division One until being relegated in the 1996 - 1997 season.
In 2000 - 2001 Lytchett Minster R.U.F.C. joined the Hampshire League in Division Two and played in this league until 2004 - 2005 season when unfortunatly we were relegated to Division Three. Dispite this set back the club has entered a Second XV into the Dorset and Avon league for the begin of the 2005 season. Allowing new players to put pressure on the first team for places and attempt to push for promotion this season.
Following 13 years of campaigning, the new Club House was completed for the start of the 2003 - 2004 season. It has all the facilities a growing club can need. The Club House is adjacent to the two rugby fields, so no more long walks back up the school drive to get changed after the match. The final cost of the club house was just under £600,000 and it could not have happened without our then chairman, Gordon Glover, putting many hundreds of hours of work. If / When Lytchett Minster Rugby Club becomes a large club to be reckoned with, it will be largely due to the efforts of Gordon Glover.
Since 1981 a number of players have gone on to represent England Colts/schools, Dorset and Wilts/under 21's/Colts/Schools, Dorset Knobs/ under 17's/schools, Royal Navy/combined services and the Royal Marines.
Rugby Sevens Tournament History
Since 1982 teams from all over the south have been attending the Lytchett Festival of Sevens over the May bank holiday week-end, and since then the Lytchett Festival of Sevens has grown in both numbers and reputation to be the most successful sevens tournament in the South and South West. More than SIXTY teams, plus their families, supporters, officials and sponsors (around 4,000 people) attend each year.
The weekend incorporates two days of competition with ladies rugby and hockey, senior men's rugby and the ONLY Colts (under 19's) sevens in the area. Combined with a Barbecue, drinks marquee, snacks and souvenir merchandise, makes this a great weekend for all rugby fans.
The 2000 winners were Lytchett Minster (for the first time).
